( Image: Mahabharata War Source: Pragyata)
Reading Notes:
I'm very excited to read about the Mahabharata War! I've done some background research on the conflict, and I already have several story ideas I'd like to do with a couple of the key characters.
Whoah, lots of mythology right off the bat, definitely a big difference from the Ramayana, which seemed pretty focused in on Rama's story from the beginning. This difference suggests to me that the Mahabharata may not focus quite as strongly on one figure as the Ramayana did. I like reading about the actions of the actual gods rather than just their avatars! Indra seemed like a fascinating character in the Ramayana (especially in relation to Ravana), but I never got to read about his exploits directly.
Bhishma is such a cool character– I know that he will be a formidable enemy in the Mahabharata War. It's nice that we're not leaving god avatars behind completely. "Terrible Oath" is a name worthy of such a tough character.
Another interesting love story between Shantanu and Satyavati! Bhishma is a truly noble son to renounce his claim in favor of his father's happiness. That is one ambitious fisherman!
Bhishma is a heck of a wingman, lets his little brother be king and takes on a huge army to capture him three wives.
There are definitely a lot more characters in this story. This proliferation of related characters will probably only make the war even more tragic. One thing I'm confused about– isn't Bhishma the only character who is related to the old king by blood? It's strange that the ruling line is replaced by that of a fisherman's daughter. I could possibly do a story about succession practices in ancient India.
The deer story is... unique! The brief story says that the brahmin was with Pandu's wife? Was she committing adultery with the brahmin? In the in-depth story, it seems like it's just a person who is dressed like a deer. Funny how Pandu is in the wrong here.
The set up of the Kuavara and the Pandavas' rivalry is quite interesting– it seems like the Kuavaras may be the more evil of the two families based on Duryodhana's actions. It's quite sad to read about friendships that I know will turn into bloody rivalries.
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